ANGLERS are waiting to see how the wind farm being created off Redcar will affect their sport.

The plan is to erect 27 turbines in the North Sea off the resort. Many anglers - like other members of the public - consider turbines a major visual intrusion, but the effects on marine life are largely unknown.

Bob George, who does a lot of boat fishing in the area, and arranges the Jim Maidens Memorial matches to raise funds for the lifeboat and air ambulance, said:

“Fish have a lateral line and feel vibrations, so it’s possible that turbines will scare them.

“However, any structures in the sea will be colonised by weed, shellfish, especially mussels, and other small creatures. They could provide shelter and food from fish.

“I don’t know whether the turbines will have an exclusion zone around them, or whether anglers and other boats are allowed in the area.”

Guy Mason, of the Saltburn Angling Club, said: “They may have an initial impact on the fish, but I think that once the fish settle and get used to them, I don’t think they will make much of an impact.”

The North Sea is a busy shipping area. A few years ago a tanker ran aground at Redcar right through the area where the turbines will be sited.

It has been suggested that a repeat might suit sea anglers, for if the turbines were knocked down they would create a reef environment, beneficial to all sea life!